Department Chair
Andrew D. Nicholls, Ph.D. Professor of History
Date of Award
12-2014
Access Control
Campus-Only Access
Degree Name
Museum Studies, M.A.
Department
History and Social Studies Education Department
Advisor
Cynthia Conides, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and Program Coordinator of Museum Studies
Department Home page
http://history.buffalostate.edu/museum-studies-ma
First Reader
Cynthia Conides, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and Program Coordinator of Museum Studies
Second Reader
Jean Richardson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History
Abstract
Museums have influenced humankind’s perception of culture and history for centuries. Traditionally entrusted to the guidance of male leaders, the institution of the museum and the history it represents has generally been interpreted and studied without the consideration of gender equal perspectives. However, cases of pioneering female museum leaders can be found throughout the history of the United States as well as in Buffalo, New York. This study looks at some of these early women directors and the influence they had on the institutions that they led. It discusses the interpretation of culture and history presented in these museums within the context of women’s changing roles in work and American society. It illustrates that female museum administrators played vital roles in expanding the museum’s effectiveness in the community, by engaging in educational outreach and making the museum more accessible to the general population.
Recommended Citation
Blatter, Sarah M., "The Role of American Women in Museum Leadership: Late 19th to Mid-20th Century." (2014). Museum Studies Theses. 6.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/museumstudies_theses/6
Note: To access this document you must have a Digital Commons account using a valid Buffalo State email address or be accessing the internet through the Buffalo State campus network.
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